glob99

A couple of years back, the government introduced the rule that you could be in country 90 days out of 180 days. Why didn't that solve the problem?

Tchiowa

There is no problem with those people. It's the 180 days out of 180 days with back to back (to back to back to back to back.......) 90 days entries that is the problem.

dsquared37

It was only a restriction on the use of visa exemption stamps during any 180 day period.

Dr. HFH

I had a one year work permit which was recently renewed for two years. We didn't have to show anything like that.

forumpersona999

American passport. Amity Treaty. Irrelevant to anyone who isn't American.

seanthepilot

An American passport does not automatically allow anyone to the benefits of the Amity treaty. You can own a company registered as an Amity company. The company has benefits from the treaty.

Dr. HFH

Exactly, 2lovelife. Amity Treaty benefits are granted to a company based on a number of factors. Certain industries are excluded from consideration under the Treaty. You have to first apply to the U.S. Embassy for some certifications and paperwork, then take all of that plus additional application forms to the Ministry of Commerce. Your company will be granted favored status under the Treaty of Amity unless there is a specific reason not to. It's pretty straightforward unless the industry your company is in is one which is disqualified from consideration.

I believe that this list of activities excluded from consideration under the Treaty is current (actually, I believe that these restrictions apply to all non-Thais, whether American or not, and whether in a company or not):

Diplomatico

From The Nation:

"BANGKOK: -- The military has told the Immigration Bureau to be flexible with "visa runners", junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said Friday.

The runners can register with the bureau, which will find a sustainable resolution to the problem, he said in his weekly televised programme last night.

Foreigners had been exploiting tourist visas and visas on arrival by illegally working in the country, mostly as English teachers. ... "

Read more:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/brea...-30241608.html

seanthepilot

Surprise, surprise.

whackyjacky

So the "crackdown" lasted 2 weeks. It shows how little I know. My over/under was 2 months. ps: Now that I've actually read the article, it looks like he's talking about a loophole for English teachers. A good BKK Post article on the situation here:http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/inve...end-of-the-run

Tchiowa

I wonder how many of the other changes the junta is putting in will die like this one. I heard they were talking about banning booze sales after midnight. I kind of don't think that will happen.

For the record, I think cracking down on visa runners is long overdue and I wish they would strictly enforce rules on visas and working. Particularly for English teachers.

Please post your flame here ______________________________________.

whackyjacky

No flame here. Thailand doesn't care for farang much, except for their money. Considering the character of a lot of these guys doing the visa dance, I don't blame them. They really should make work permits mandatory for hiring English teachers though. These schools are cheap & lazy. Thailand is down at the bottom of world English proficiency tests.

braslvr

No flame here, but I am curious why you as a Westerner (I think) would feel so strongly this way.

Dr. HFH

My experience has been very different. I have actually been surprised at the warmth that I, a foreigner and relative stranger, have received from so many here, -- and mostly from people who are not in a position to derive economic gain from me or my money. I'm talking real caring and a true generosity of spirit. I could give you some examples; but they would only be individual data points, of course. I'm sorry that your experience has been different.

whackyjacky

I shoud've explained it better. I was really talking about the Government.